Can't think of a Topic

[TJACK]

I'm trying to stay motivated about my blogging, but I'm struggling.  I get so few comments, I wonder if anyone is even reading it.  Are my entries boring?  So, I'm trying to brainstorm about what to blog about.  Any suggestions?  I'm considering:
- Writing about a Weight Loss Coach as opposed to a Nutritionist.  They are not the same.  A nutritionist tells you what to eat and how to tweek your diet.  A coach helps you understand why you choose to eat something that you know you shouldn't eat.  A coach helps you understand WHY you make the decisions you make and gives you strategies on how to make a different choice.
- Maybe I could write about baking in fall weather.  I could discuss the comforts of making organic chili and soups, baking gluten free cakes, sipping on organic apple cider
-  I could put up a few fall recipes
- I could discuss how to store fall fruits/vegetables.  How to freeze, pickle, and serve them...\
-  How to fit whole foods into a busy schedule.  I could give tips about how to set aside one day a week to wash and cut vegetables so that they're ready to be used in meals during the week.  I could talk about how I involve my children with this process.

[TJACK]

OK, I thought of something.  I'm going to dedicate the next few entries to fall's bounty.  I'll write about the flavors of the fall, post recipes, and highlight the benefits of common fall foods.

[Audrey]

A few suggestions to get more readers:

1. write a few articles and use the blog URL in your bio. Submit the articles to a few popular directories.
2. offer a give away on your blog and then submit this contest to the larger contest sites
3. join a blog carnival that is the topic/theme of your blog. check http://blogcarnival.com/bc/ to see if there are any there
4. make it a point to comment on at least 10 new blogs every day. this should also bring new people to your blog.

[TJACK]

A few suggestions to get more readers:

1. write a few articles and use the blog URL in your bio. Submit the articles to a few popular directories.
2. offer a give away on your blog and then submit this contest to the larger contest sites
3. join a blog carnival that is the topic/theme of your blog. check http://blogcarnival.com/bc/ to see if there are any there
4. make it a point to comment on at least 10 new blogs every day. this should also bring new people to your blog.

I'm so lost.  Where is my bio?  How do I submit articles to directories?  I have monthly specials but I haven't done a good job of advertising them on my blog.  They're part of my store.  How would I submit them to contest sites?  Never even heard of a contest site.  I looked at the blogcarnival thing and it looks like the ones related to natural living have been discontinued.  Of the 4 suggestions you made, I only know how to do #4.  Loser!   I need a tutorial.  Is there anything like that on this forum?

[Audrey]

I'm happy to help you

A special and a contest are very different. A contest means people can randomly enter and win a prize not strings attached, no purchase necessary etc.

As far as where to submit them...check out my current contest, it's at http://recipe-barn.com/contest.html Scroll to the bottom and you'll see a list of contest directories. I've had about 600 entries so far. This particular contest is not on my blog. However the last one I did on my blog had over 300 entries. You can view it at http://audreysspot.blogspot.com/2008/08/win-these-two-fridgesmart-containers.html Look at my sidebar. I list contest sites there. Some sites ONLY accept blog contests which is why the two lists are different.

I'll do a seperate post on articles.

[TJACK]

Thanks!  All of this is so new to me and I'm trying to navigate my way through all of the information.  I now have a promotion AND a contest on my site.  Let's see what happens next.    

[Audrey]

Have you submitted the contest to contest sites?

[TJACK]

Not yet.  It's all so overwhelming!

[Happy Momma]

I tried to check out http://recipe-barn.com/contest.html to see your contest submission ideas but I get a Page Not Found error.

[Aimee]

Start commenting on others blogs, and you'll get comments...Thats how a lot of people get lots of views/comments on their blogs.  Giveaways help LOTS too.

[Candid Carrie]

I agree with Aimee.  The best way to get noticed is comments. 

comment on a variety of blogs in your "writing voice" and if other's are interested in your "voice" they will click on it to see who "said" that ...

But it takes a lot of time to build up a regular following, to become a must read, and to have reader loyalty. 

Maybe in the "olden" days it was write it and they will find you.  And it certainly has nothing to do with "who you know" ... I'd say writing a clean copy and clear comments are two big musts. 

[mrsbear0309]

I think I'm just reiterating what others have mentioned. You could have fabulous content, but if you don't get out there and comment on other blogs, nobody will know you're stuff is even out there. The quality of the comments also make a difference, make them clever and insightful and it will get notice both by the author whose work you're commenting on as well as other readers. Also, try to respond to comments on your blog to keep people coming back and make long lasting connections. It takes time and work though, easier said than done sometimes.   

[couponsmakecents]

I guess I never have this problem of nothing to talk about.  I run a grocery coupon blog so there is ALWAYS new content several times daily.  There's so much more than I could ever actually fully cover.  I have found Facebook to be a great resource for attracting new readers as well.